Metallic cross-tie.



Nu. 697,299. Patented Apr. 8, 1902. J. J. WAGUNER.

METALLIC CROSS TIE.

(Application iiled Agg'. 21, 1901,)

3 sheets-sheet" l.

(No Windel.)

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No. 697,299. Patented Apr. 8, |902.

J. J. WAGONER.

METALLIC CROSS TIE. (Application mea Au'g. 21, 1901.)

` 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

me wams m35 co,. pHoro-uma, wAsHmsvoN, o4 c,

No. 697,299. Patented Apr. 8, |902.

J. J. WAGONER.

METALLIC CHDSS TIE.

(Application filed Aug'. 21, 1901., (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

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diurne artnr union.

JOHN J. VVAGONER, OF LEITERS FORD, INDIANA.

METALLIC CROSS-TIE.

SEECXFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 697,299, dated April. 8, 1902.

Application led August 21.1901. Serial No. 72,818. (No model.)

To @ZZ when?, irl may concern.'

Be it known that I, JOHN J. VAGONER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Leiters Ford, in thecounty of Fulton and State ot' Indiana, have invented a new and useful Metallic Cross-Tie, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to improvements in metallic crossties.

The object ofthe present invention is to improve the construction of metallic cross-ties and to provide a comparatively inexpensive one which will possess great strength, durability, and elasticity and which will enable the rails to be readily removed without disturbing the road-bed and Without liability of breaking the rails or injuring the ties.

The invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed ont in the claims hereto appended.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a portion of a track provided with cross-ties constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of one end of a crosstie constructed in accordance with this invention and showing one means for clamping the rails. Fig. 3 is a similar view showing another means for clamping the rails. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional viewof the same. Fig. isaperspective view of one end of a cross-tie, illustrating the pren ferred form of the invention. Fig. 6 is a similar view of the intermediate portion of the same. Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 7 7 of Fig. 5. Fig. Sis a detail perspective View of the end of the cross-tie, the end cas ing or head being removed. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are detail views illustrating means for engaging the rails. Fig. 12 is a detail view of one end of the blank from which the crosstie shown in Fig. 2 is constructed. Fig. 13 is a detail View illustrating the arrangement of the transverse anchoring-bar of the double cross-tie. Fig. 1-1. is a sectional view of one end of a cross-tie, illustrating another modication of the invention. Fig. 15 is a similar view illustrating another modification of the invention. Fig. 16 isa plan view ofthe same, the bolt and the resilient key being removed. Fig. 17 is a sectional view on thc lines 17 17 of Fig. 15. Fig. 1S is a detail perspective View of the resilient key. Fig. 19 isa similar view ot' the bolt. Fig. 20 is a sectional view of one end of the cross-tie, illustrating the manner of mounting the same on a longitudinal Stringer. Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional View on the line 21 21 of Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a' perspective view ot' the head or end casing shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 23 is adetail view of one end of the cross-tie shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 24 is a sectional view illustrating the manner of introducing the tie in the head or end casing.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the iigures of the drawings.

1 designates a metallic cross-tie constructed of sheet-steel or other suitable material and composed of a top 2 and sides 3, which are provided with outwardly-extending longitudinal flanges 4.. This construction forms a hollow cross-tie, which may be filled with the material of which the road-bed is constructed. The cross-tie is provided at its ends with transversely-disposed end casings or heads 5, constructed of sheet metal or other suitable material and designed to be filled with broken stone or other heavy material for rmly anchoring the cross-tie. The transversely-disposed end casing or head, which is open at its bottom, is composed of a horizontal top and slightly-inclined sides and ends, which are connected at their adjacent edges by means of tongues 6, which are bent at right angles to embrace the adjacent walls of the Sli casing or head to prevent the same from spreading. The cross-tie is cut away at opposite sides at each end to form top and side extensions 7 and 8, which are passed through top and side slots 9 and 10 of the transversely- The slot 9 is disposed head or casing 5. formed in the top of the head or casing 5, and the extension 7 is bent inward upon itself, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the accompanying` drawings, to engage the adjacent bottom flange of a rail. The slots 10 are formed in the outer side wall of the casing, and the side extensions 8, which form continnations of the flanges 4, are passed through the said slots 10 and are bent against the/exterior of the head or casing. The side eltensions 8 are bent upward and the top extension or IOO ifo

tongue 7 is bent upward and backward to faeilitate their introduction into their respective slots when assembling the parts'. The walls of the side slots 10 are bent in opposite directions, as illustrated in Fig. 7, to arrange the slotsor openings conveniently for the tongues or extensions 8, and after the latter have been passed through the slots 10 they are bent downward. The inner side wall of the head or casing 5 is provided with a slot 11, conforming to the coniguration of the cross-tie and consisting of a transverse top portion, vertical sides, and bottom extensions or branches.

The top of the cross-ties is provided adjacent to the inner side Wall of the casing 5 with a depression or groove 13, and it has an opening at the inner end thereof through which extends the shank of a hook bolt or rod 14, having its engaging portion or bill arranged to receive the inner bottom flange of the rail. The outer end of the shank of the hook bolt or rod is threaded for the reception ot' a nut 15, and it extends through the outer wall of the casing 5, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 7. By tightening the nut the bolt may be drawn outward into engagement with the rail, which is firmly clamped between the extension 9 of the top of the cross-tie and the hook bolt or rod 14. When it is desired to remove the rail, the nut is unscrewed and the hook-bolt is driven inward sufiiciently to carry its engaging portion or bill out of engagement with the bottom flange of the rail, which may then be removed without disturbing the road-bed and without liability of breaking the rail. The hook-bolts are designed to be of sufficient length to enable them to be driven inward clear of the rails without entirely removing the nuts from their outer portions. The inclined depression or groove of the top of the cross-tie forms a guide for directing the hook bolt or rod upward out of engagement with the rail, and the said depression or groove is provided with a horizontal portion 13a, arranged beneath the engaging portion of the hook when the latter is in engagement with the rail.

The nuts of the bolts or rods 14 may be locked by pivoted plates 14, mounted upon the top of the end casing or head and located at the outer side of the top slot 9 and adapted to be swung horizontally into and out of engagement with the upper face or edge of the nut. The locking-plate 14a may be riv- .eted or otherwise secured to the end casing or head, and when it is desired to unscrew the nut it is turned out of engagement with the same, and after the nut is screwed home it is again swung to its engaging position.

The cross-tie 1 maybe of any desired length, and it is provided with an intermediate railsupport 16, adapted to receive a switch-rail or the like and constructed of sheet metal or other suitable material and consisting of a top and depending sides 17 and 18. The sides are provided with openings to receive the cross-tie,and these openings,which are formed by slotting the side walls, conform to the configuration of the cross-tie. The walls or sides 17 and 1S are provided with upwardly-extending tongues 19 and 20, arranged between the sides of the cross-tie. The tongue 2O is narrower than the tongue 19 to permit the intermediate rail-support to be set at an angle for the accommodationof switch-rails and the like. The top of the intermediate rail-support is provided at opposite sides of the crosstie with integral rail-engaging tongues 2l, which cooperate with hook-bolts 22 for engaging the rails, and after the support 1G has been properly positioned with relation to the rails it may, if desired, be bolted or otherwise secured to the cross-tie to retain it in such position.

The number of intermediate rail-supports may be varied, and the length of the same may be changed to enable one or more rails to be mounted on the same'support. In Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings the application Aof the cross-tie and the rail-supports to main rails and switch-rails is clearly illustrated. The intermediate support 23 is enlarged to receive the rails at the frog, and the end supports 24,25,and 26 are extended to provide supporting-surfaces for the movable portion of the switch-rail. The end supports 27, 28, and 29 are located at the opposite side of the switch and are constructed in substantially the same manner. The fastening devices for IOO engaging the rails may be arranged in any suitable manner to correspond to the position of the rails, and the intermediate supports may be omitted when not required. One of the rails may be extended to receive a support t6 for a switch-stand.

A pair of cross-ties may be connected by elongated heads or end supports 30 at railjoints, or a cross-tie 3l of increased widthV may be provided. The cross-tie 31 is provided with ends 32, which are connected with the sides 33 by means of tongues 34 and 35, the tongues 34 being formed integral with the end 32 and provided with slots or openings for the reception of the tongues 35. The tongues 35 are formed integral with the sides 33 and are passed through the slots or openings 36 and are bent back upon themselves. The large tongues 34 are bent at right angles and are arranged on the outer faces of the sides 33.

The cross-tie 3l is preferably provided with a chair 37, consisting of a plate provided at its outer edge with a flange bent inward over the plate and forming a rail-engaging portion 38. The rail-engaging portion 3S is preferably located at the outer side of the rails, and the latter are engaged at their inner sides by hook-bolts 39, arranged similar to those heretofore described and located adjacent to depressions or grooves, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. The chairs are provided with tongues IIO 40, located at the ends of the plate and eX- tending through slots 41 of the sides of the cross-tie, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 9; but tongues may be arranged in any other suitable manner. The double or enlarged cross-tie is provided at its center with a transversely-disposed anchoring-plate 42, and the ends 32 are extended below the sides 33 to assist in holding the cross-tie against longitudinal movement. The anchoring-plate 42 is provided with tongues 43 and 44, located at the top and ends of the plate and extended through suitable slots of the top and sides of the cross-tie and bent against the outer faces of the same. The end supports may be omitted when desired, and the cross-tie will then be constructed with an end piece similar to that described in connection with the double or enlarged cross-tie, and the rail may be secured by integral tongues 45, arranged as illustrated in Fig. 2 and coperating with hook-bolts similar to those heretofore described. The hook-bolt 47 (shown in Figs. 2 and 10) is located between the tongues 45, and it is provided with a straight shank; but, as illustrated in Fig. 1l, the hook bolt or rod 48 may be provided with a slight bend. The sides and ends of the cross-ties instead of being connected by flanges or tongues 34 and 35 may be provided with tongues similar to those illustrated in Fig. 5. In forming the cross-tie with closed ends the blank is folded on the lines indicated in Fig. 1l, and the sides and ends are provided with extensions to forni the tongues 34 and 35.

In Fig. 14 of the drawings is illustrated one method of a rail-engaging device, a square shank-hook, as that illustrated in Fig. 19, forming a pair of shoulders 59, adapted to rest upon the cross-tie at opposite side of the slot GO, provided at the outer end of its shank with a slot for the reception of an edge-tapering key 58. The hook is also engaged by an extension or resilient locking device, as that illustrated in Fig. 18. The plate 61 is shortened by bending it up between its ends. The said ends are provided with depending tongues 62 and 63. Tongue 62 has a slight outer curve to engage the hook head or shoulders 59. Tongue 63 is provided with a latch or catch G3 for locking beneath the inner end of slot 60. The aforesaid specification is illustrated in Fig. 15. The extension or resilient key may be constructed of soft or annealed steel or other tough metal that will remain in different positions where bent. Also is illustrated one end of a cross-tie, which is constructed substantially the same as that illustrated in Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings, with the exception that the extensions 49 of the bottom fianges of the cross-tie are bentdownward and are arranged at the inner face of the outer side of the head or end casing. The depending extensions of the side flanges of the cross-tie 50 are perforated for the reception of bolts 5l, which pass through perforations of the head or end casing 52. This form of tie may be readily put together on the roadbed as the railroad is constructed or as new ties are required.

In Figs. 15 to 19, inclusive, ofthe drawings is illustrated another modification of the invention, in which the cross-tie 53 is provided at the ends of its side flanges with extensions 54, which are passed through slots in the outer side of the head or end casing 56 and which are bent upward against the outer face of the same. The top tongue or extension 55, which after the parts are assembled is bent inward to engage the bottom flange of the rail, is designed to be arranged at a slight inclination to facilitate its introduction into the top slot of the cross-tie, and the side extensions 54 are designed to be arranged in a similar manner. The parts of the cross-tie are designed to be assembled at the factory or other place where the ties are constructed, and the cross-tie is depressed at the outer side of the top slot to provide an inclined portion 57, which facilitates assembling the parts. The hook may be constructed in any suitable manner; but in this form of the invention it is preferably provided at the outer end of its shank with a slot for the reception of the tapering key or wedge 58, and it is provided at its head or engaging portion with lateral projections 59, forming a pair of shoulders adapted to rest upon the cross-tie at opposite sides of a longitudinal slot 60, through which the bolt eX- tends. The bolt or hook is also engaged by a resilient locking device 6l, consisting of a plate bent between its ends and provided at the latter with depending tongues 62 and 63, designed to be arranged in the slot 60 to engage the hook or bolt and the'tie at the inner end of the slot. The tongue 62 is of an outer circular shape the size to it against and beneath the hook head or shoulders 59. Tongue 63 has a latch or catch G3iL for locking beneath the inner end of slot` GO. The plate of the resilient locking device is shortened by bend- ICO IIO

ing it, as shown in Fig. 18, and after the tongues have been introduced into the slots the plate is straightened. When it is desired to remove the resilient locking device, a lsharp instrument is introduced between it and the cross-tie to bend it back into its original shape,'whereby it may be readily detached.` The cross-tie is also adapted for use on bridges and similar constructions, and a stringer or ballast roll 64 is employed. The cross-tie 65, which is of the same general construction as those heretofore described, is composed of a top and sides, which are provided with longitudinal side flanges, and it may have ends 6G, or the latter may be left open, substantially as shown in Fig. 8. When the end of the tie is closed, as illustrated in Fig. 23 of the drawings, the opening 67 of the head or end casing G8 will conform to the configuration of the tie and permit the passage of the same. The inner and outer sides of thehead or end casing are provided with bottom iianges 69 and 70, and the ends-71,

which rest upon the Stringer-rail 64, are provided at the outer side of the same with depending extensions 66, which conform to the conguration of the'strin ger, as clearly shown in Fig. 20. The head or end casing may be constructed of a single piece of heavy sheet metal, and the sides and ends may be connected by slot-and-tongue connections, substantially the same as those heretofore described. The extensions 72 of the side fianges of the cross-tie are secured by bolts 73 or other suitable fastening devices to the outer bottom ange of the head or end casing. The dependingr supports or extensions 66, which conform to the configuration of the Stringer 64, are held in contact with the same by means of'hook bolts or rods 74, arranged at a slight inclination and extending downward and inward from the outer side of the head or casing, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 20. The bottom fianges of the head or end casing are provided with suitable openings for the reception of fastening devices for securing the head or end casing to the adjacent parts of a bridge or other structure on which it is employed. The ends of the crosstie also rest upon the stringers, which extend longitudinally of the rails, and the joints of of the stringers are designed to be arranged at points between the rail-joints to provide solid supports for the latter and to prevent the track from moving sidewise out of line. The rail is clamped by means of a top tongue or extension 75 of the cross-tie and a hook rod or bolt 76, which may be constructed in any suitable manner. The tongue 77, which sustains and supports tongues or extensions 7 and 75 of the cross-ties, if desired, is of the same width as the latter.

It will be seen that the cross-tie is simple and comparatively inexpensive in construction, that it possesses great strength and durability, and that the parts may be readily separated and assembled by section-hands.

Various changes in the form, proportion, size, and the minor details of construction within the scope of the appendedclaims may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

What I claim is- 1. A device of the class described comprising a railway steel cross-tie provided at the top with an inwardly-bent extension or integral tongues to engage the outer side flange of a rail, inner side of the rail having either slot or an inclined groove or depression disposed longitudinally of the cross -tie, and a railengaging square shank or bolt extending through the opening longitudinally of the cross-tie and having a hook located at the said slot or groove to engage the inner side fiange of a rail, the outer end of the square shank or bolt is secured and fastened by a flat and edge-tapering key or nut, a transversely-disposed head or end casing which is open at its bottom, is composed of a horizontal top and slightly-inclined sides and ends, which are connected at their adjacent edges by means of tongues which are bent at right angles to embrace the adjacent walls of the head or end casing, to prevent the same from spreading, when4 filled with the material of which the road-bed is constructed, said head or end casing being formed ofa pot-casing from a single piece of heavy sheet-steel, substantially as described.

2. A device of the class described comprisinga cross-tie composed of a top and sides provided with bottom flanges, with an open channel along its bottom, said cross-tie capable of supporting one or more transversal casings, said casing having openings through both sides receiving the cross-tie, a transversal casing to be set at different angles for accommodation of a switch or branch rail, the casing may be bolted or otherwise secured to the cross-tie, to retain it in such position, said casing being provided at opposite sides of the cross-tie with rail-engaging tongues and bolthooks substantially as described.

3. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie provided with a top and having depending sides, said top being provided with an extension bent inward and arranged to engage a rail, andan end support disposed transversely of the rail and consisting of a casing provided with an opening receiving the crosstie, said support being provided with a slot arranged to receive the extension 0f the top of the cross-tie, substantially as described.

4. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie provided with sides and having an extension at its top bent to form a rail-engaging flange or tongue, an end support :receiving the cross-tie and provided with a slot for the said extension, and a fastening device arranged to engage the rail and connecting the support and the cross-tie, substantially as described.

5. A device of the class described comprisinga cross-tie provided with an inwardly-bent extension arranged to engage the outer flange of a rail, a rail-support receiving the cross-tie and provided with a slot or opening for the said extension, and alongitudinally-disposed fastening device connecting the support and the cross-'tie and arranged to engage the inner side of the rail, substantially as described.

6. A device of the class described comprising a railway steel cross-tie provided with an inwardly-bent extension and projecting through a longitudinal opening at the top of the head or end casing arranged to engage the outer side fiange of a rail and having a slot longitudinally of the cross-tie and a rod or square shank engaging hook or bolt eX- tending through the slot with the outward portion of the hook or shoulders resting on each side of the slot and engaging the inner side fiange of a rail, the said hook or bolt is locked by an extension or resilient key, the latter is shortened by bending it up between its ends, the said ends are provided with de- IOC pending tongues, and after the tongueshave been introduced in the longitudinal slot of `the cross-tie the extension or resilient key is straightened to engage the hook or bolt and the cross-tie at the inner end of the slot, to remove said extension or resilient locking device a sharp-pointed instrument is introduced byinsertin g it between its ends and the crosstie to bend it back into its original shape, whereby it may be readily attached, the other end of the rod or square shank is secured and fastened by a fiat and edge-tapering key at the outer side of the head or end casing to draw and to hold the outer edge of the longitudinal slot located in the top of said head or end casing, the outer edge of the slot to come in contact in the rear of the inwardly-bent extension or the outer side railengaging hook, for one purpose of strength-V ening and supporting the latter substantially as described.

7. A device of the class described comprising a steel cross-tie, composed of a top and sides provided with bottom tianges, said crosstie forms a groove or a hollow channel openV along its bottom, a head or end casing is provided with sides, ends and a top, the corners are secured or fastened by tongues and slots or other means to prevent the same from spreading,when tamped and compressed with crushed stones, gravel and other substances, the inner and outer sides of the head or end casing are provided with bottom fianges, the ends of said head or end casing and the crosstie which rests upon the stringer or ballast roll, are provided at the head or end casing witha depending extension 7l which conforms to the configuration of the stringer or ballast roll, the said stringer or ballast roll is held in contact with the same by means of hooks or bolts arranged at a slight inclination and extending downward and inward from the outer side of the head or end casing, the

aforesaid Stringer or ballast roll is for thepurpose of resting or locating'on stone ballast, bridges and on any common road-beds, and to conform to the track and to release the strain from frogs, rail joints and junctions, and the joints of the aforesaid stringer or ballast roll are designed to be arranged at points between the rail-joints, by removing the stringer or ballast roll from the head or end easing the said head or end casi'ng'is provided with suitable openings in the bottom flanges for the reception of fastenings to bridges or other structures, by leaving the depending extension end 7l of the aforesaid head or end casing in full size and bending the same out (which is not illustrated) to correspond with the side flanges, the head or end casing can be applied on stone ballast, bridges and to any ordinary road-.bed substantially as described.

8. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie provided with top and side extensions,an end support receiving the crosstie and provided with top and side slots 'for the said extensions, the side extensions being bent against the support, and the top extension being bent over to engage one side of a rail, and means for engaging the other side of the rail, substantially as described.

9. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie composed of a top and sides provided with bottom flanges, said cross-tie being cut away at the sides to form top and side extensions, a support consisting of a casing having an opening vat its inner side to receive the cross-tie, and arranged atits outer sides to receive the cross-tie, and provided at its outer side with upper and lower slots for the said extensions, the top extension being bent over to engage one side of a rail, and means for engaging the other side of a rail, substantially as described.

l0. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie composed of a top and sides,

and an intermediate support provided with sides having openings to receivethe crosstie, said support being provided at opposite sides of the cross-tie with rail-engaging devices, substantially as described.

1l. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie, an intermediate support provided with sides having openings to receive the cross-tie and capable of lateral adjustmeut, and an end support fixed to the crosstie, substantially as described.

l2. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie, having a top and sides, and an intermediate support provided at opposite sides with openings conforming to the configuration of the cross-tie and forming interior tongues, substantially as'described.

13. A device of the class described comprising a head or end casing composed of a top, ends and sides it forms a hollow basin in its under side, said head or end casing is locked or fastened together at the corners with tongues or other means, the headlor end casing having an opening at its inner sides to receive the cross-tie, the latter is provided with bottom flanges the ends of said flanges are turned downward and fastened to the inner side of the outer wall by bolts or other means, the said cross-tie having at each end and top an inwardly-bent extension arranged to engage the outer side flange of a rail, the cross-tie can be provided with either a slot or inclined groove longitudinally ofthe crosstie, and a hook bar or bolt extending through the opening and engaging the inner side flange of a rail, and provided atthe outer side of the head or end casing or cross-tie with a key or nut for adjusting the same', the aforesaid head or end casing and cross-tie can be constructed foreach, of a single piece of heavy sheet-steel or the head or end casing can be pressed or molded 4to construct a solid hollow basin substantially as described.

14. Adevice of theclass described comprising a railway steel cross-tie provided with side iianges located at its bottom, an end casing or head provided at its inner wall with an IOO IIO

opening conforming to the configuration of the cross-tie, and having extension-slots to receive the bottom flanges, ymeans for securing the end of the anges of the cross-tie and ythe outside of the outer wall of the end casing or head with bolts or other means, or the end flanges may be turned down on the outer side of said wall as clearly illustrated, a railway steel cross-tie provided with an inwardly-bent extension or tongue at its top for engaging the outer side flange of a rail, having a longitudinal slot located on the inner side of the rail in the cross-tie, and a hook shank or bolt forming a pair of shoulders adapted to rest upon the cross-tie at opposite sides of the slot extending through the opening and engaging the inner side fiange ot' a rail, the aforesaid hook shank or bolt is also engaged by a resilientl locking device' consisting of a plate, said plate is shortened by bending between its ends,r and provided at the latter with depending tongues, and after the tongues have been introduced into the slot the plate is straightened to engage the hook shank or bolt and the tie at the inner end of the slot, the outer end ot' the hook shank or bolt is tightened by an edge tapering key or nut to draw and to hold the outer side tongues located at the top at each end of the head or end casing to engage. the outer side flange ot' a rail substantially as described.

15. A device of the class described comprising a cross-tie, a head or end casing provided at its inner side with an opening conforming to the configuration ot' the cross-tie and receiving the same, the end of-the cross-tie fitting against the inner face of the outer side of the head or end casing, and means for securing the end of the cross-tie to the outer side of the head ,or end casing, substantially as described.

16. A device of the class described comprising a railway steel cross-tie, composed of a top, depending sides and ends to form a hollow trough or channel along the under side of the entire length of the cross-tie, the sides and ends are fastened at the corners with tongues and slots or other means, the anchoring bar or plate is located in the center between the sides and the top ot' the cross-tie, said anchor-plate is provided with tongues located at the top and ends of the plate and extended through suitable slots at the top and sides of the crosstie and bent against the outer side and top of the cross-tie for the purpose of holding the cross-tie from spreading, Aand to assist the same against longitudinal movement, the aforesaid cross-tie is provided with a rail-engaging saddle or chair located on top at each end of the cross-tie with flaps projecting downward on each side of the cross-tie, and fastened to the outer sides of the same by girthhooks that extend through an opening from the outer side Walls of the cross-tie and turned upon the inner side of said Walls, the inner side of said saddle or chair is provided with crooper-hooks which extend through the open-- ing of the slots or grooves and turned back and under longitudinally of the cross-tie, and a rail-,engaging hook or bolt extending through said slots or grooves to engage the inner side of a rail and fastened at the outer side by an edge-tapering key or nut substantially as described.

17. A device ot' the class described comprising a steel end support or casing the number of intermediate rail-supports may be varied, and the length of the same may be changed to enable one or more rails to be mounted on the same support or casing, the intermediate support or casing is enlarged to receive the rails at the frog and the end supports or casings are extended to provide a supportingsurface for the movable portion of the switchrail, the end supports or casings are located at the opposite side of the switch and are constructed in the same manner, the supports or casings are provided with suitable openings in the sides to receive the cross-tie, a steel cross-tie is `composed of a horizontal top and depending sides pro vided with bottom flanges, the said flanges are for the purpose of forming tongues or extensions to be bolted or fastened to the outer side Wall ot' the end support or casing and to strengthen the sides, the cross-tie formed beneath a hollow sleeper to be filled with broken stones, gravel or other heavy material of.' which the road-bed is constructed, one or more of the cross-ties may be extended to receive a support for a switchstand, the fastening devices for engaging the rails are provided with aslot located in the support or casing, or the cross-tie on the inner side of the rail may be arranged in any suitable manner to correspond to the position of the rails,a shank-engaging hook or bolt extending through the slot or opening with the outward portion of the hook or shoulders `resting on each side of the slot and engaging the inner side flange of a rail, and provided at the outer end of said shank or bolt with a slot for the reception of a Hat and edge-tapering key to be driven in said slot to draw and to hold the engaging hook incontact with the inner side flange of a rail, to be made or constructed of steel or other suitable material substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN J. WAGONER. lVitnesses:

D. M. SWINEHART, M. A. BAKER.

IOC

IlO 

